Airports Launch New Program to Assist Passengers With Autism

New program helps Los Angeles flyers with autism cope with the stresses of the travel experience.

Travelers assisting autistic flyers will soon have additional support at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT). Starting in April, both Los Angeles World Airports will introduce an autism support program, in order to better assist flyers with special needs.

According to their press release, the program is launching with the support of many stakeholders, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the nonprofit LeRoy Haynes Center. Under the program, travelers would voluntarily self-identify those they are traveling with as autistic during the check-in process. The gate agents will then give flyers two special stickers — one for the front and back — identifying their child or passenger as autistic. As a result, any behavioral incidents can be handled in a more compassionate manner.

“By self-identifying, potential incidents with police, airport, and airline personnel can be defused,” Lawrence Rolon, coordinator for disability services at Los Angeles World Airports, said in a press release. “Stickers identify the person with autism. If a behavioral incident occurs, the responding personnel will immediately recognize the behavior is likely a result of autism.”

While the program is unique to LAX and ONT, the airport is hoping to roll out support for the program across the country. During the initial period, flyers who care for those with autism are asked to give their feedback, in order to improve the program for the future.

Airport officials say the next steps include identifying quiet areas in the airport specific for autistic family usage. Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin America are all joining as airline partners of the new program. Airport authorities hope to add additional partners to the program in the days to come.

[Photo: iStock]